Why is weed a sin

[mike vorbach]

Caffiene is a drug. Most christians I know are addicted to it. I joke and call coffee Christian crack, because it seems a church meeting is never complete unless there are plenty of pots of coffee. Its a very real and physical addiction though. Dont believe me? Try quiting your morning coffee. Most Christians will admit that they cant get their day going unless they have their Christian crack. If they dont get it then they will feel very real and physical drug withdrawal symptoms such as head aches, irritability, lack of energy and motivation, grumpy, etc.

But no one judges you for needing a little pick me up to get your day started. But if you dare use a little of Gods green herb, which God Himself gave for "the service of man", to help you end your day and relax your body and nerves, then you better duck and hide lest you be struck by a stone carrying christian!

Many can quit smoking weed without the slightest of withdrawal symptoms. Not many can quit their caffiene addiction without suffering drug withdrawals...hmmm

As a Christian one is responsible for ones life, Luke 9:23 The Lord is always there to help & deliver,if one is to ask
The question is, does one wants to be truly delivered from their addictions
There is one area in our lives God will not allow Jesus or Satan to control
It is our "Free Will" The Lord prompts,Satan tempts,they cannot force our Will
We make the decisions
The God I serve raised the dead,I find it difficult to believe God cannot deliver
one from caffeine addictions

Mike

 

[thesunisout]

Its not what you put into your body that makes you unclean...but what comes out of your mouth. Thats what the Bible says and thats what I believe. So, if smoking weed or drinking alcohol causes you to sin then maybe you should re-evaluate its place in your life. If it does not cause you to sin, then maybe evaluate what impact it has on your relationship with God. If it hinders your relationship...maybe you ought to consider that. Maybe it improves your quality of life and relationship with others.

There things that some consider sin and others do not. The bible says this. Specifically says this in regards to putting substances in your body actually...it says that if your brothers conscience tells him that eating a certain food is sin....then guess what? To that person it IS sin! BUT...if another does not have a conviction regarding that food then it is NOT sin.

Its very simple but Christians make it a stumbling block when they put their own personal convictions on another.

To the alcoholic drinking is a sin because of what it does to him. To another, maybe a glass of wine with dinner is a blessing! But the bible says we shouldnt use our freedom to make another stumble so if im around the alcoholic, I wouldnt want to tempt him by having a drink in front of him. Its simple.

Be true to your convictions and stop judging others for living in the freedom Christ has givin them.

A dope smoking Christian is a stumbling block both to his brothers in Christ, and also to unbelievers:

Rom 14:20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats.
Rom 14:21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.
Rom 14:22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves.
Rom 14:23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin

Our freedom in Christ is never to be used to sin:

Galatians 5:13

For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

1 Peter 2:16

Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God.

An American Christian who smokes dope is sinning, because it is outlawed on a federal level.

Romans 13:1

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God

Marijuana is an intoxicant and we are commanded to be sober minded:

Rom_12:3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
1Th_5:6 So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.
1Th_5:8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.
1Ti_3:2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
1Ti_3:11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.
2Ti_4:5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
Tit_2:2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.
1Pe_1:13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1Pe_4:7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
1Pe_5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

But if you dare use a little of Gods green herb, which God Himself gave for "the service of man", to help you end your day and relax your body and nerve

It doesn't serve man to violate Gods commands and sin by becoming intoxicated.

In the situation you are describing, that person is in a state of spiritual paralysis because he is leaning upon marijuana instead of the Lord, and it has become an idol in his life.

 

[thesunisout]

Caffiene is a drug. Most christians I know are addicted to it. I joke and call coffee Christian crack, because it seems a church meeting is never complete unless there are plenty of pots of coffee. Its a very real and physical addiction though. Dont believe me? Try quiting your morning coffee. Most Christians will admit that they cant get their day going unless they have their Christian crack. If they dont get it then they will feel very real and physical drug withdrawal symptoms such as head aches, irritability, lack of energy and motivation, grumpy, etc.

But no one judges you for needing a little pick me up to get your day started. But if you dare use a little of Gods green herb, which God Himself gave for "the service of man", to help you end your day and relax your body and nerves, then you better duck and hide lest you be struck by a stone carrying christian!

Many can quit smoking weed without the slightest of withdrawal symptoms. Not many can quit their caffiene addiction without suffering drug withdrawals...hmmm

You're not alone in noticing that coffee addiction is a problem in the church. Any addiction is bondage. I have seen pastors in the pulpit delivering their sermon with a bible in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. Christians tend to turn to things like coffee and even food for stress relief and pleasure without realizing it, because they seem safe. However, man can take anything that is good and use it for evil. Additionally, Satan is always trying to get us in cycles of addiction so we are robbed of our natural joy in Christ Jesus. When you start depending on something to get by, you have made that thing your idol. Coffee is definitely an idol in many Christians lives.

 

[versesvsvices]

Friend I'm coming from a spiritual perceptive.For the God I serve is a spirit Jhn 4:23 For His words are spirit & life Jhn 6:63

As a BornAgain Christian our mind is renewed daily through reading of His word & praying,we think with the spiritual mind of Christ Roms 8:5,Roms 8:7,Roms 12:2,1st corth 1:10, 1st corth 2:16

Drunkenness refers to excessive alcohol consumption; you have stated that the Bible intends for it to apply to any form of intoxication, but none of the verses you provided state anything close to that.

You're welcome to hold that as one of your personal beliefs, of course.

The Peace Christ gives a Christian is not the same as the world gives

I think that depends on your intentions.

Put yourself to a test,have one glass of alcohol,be honest, what is the first "feeling" do you experience,how does it the effect your mind

This thread is not about alcohol.

Did God not create all plants?
Yes but God created some things for a reason.After the sin of Adam & Eve God created some plants as a sign of a curse for their sins Gen 3:17-19

Yes, but He told them that.

 

[largeli]

A dope smoking Christian is a stumbling block both to his brothers in Christ, and also to unbelievers:

.

Not to me he isnt..

In fact even a heroin addicted Christian is not a stumbling block to me. Nor is alcohol drinking Christian a stumbling block to me. Perhaps its because none of these people have anything to do what-so-ever with my personal relationship and walk with Jesus.

Jesus will receive the dope smoking Christian just like He will receive you or I. So what is it to me? What business is it of mine to judge another brothers life and relationship with God? And at the same time for my own walk I can be confident as Paul when he said in 1 Corinthians 4:3-4

I care very little if I am judged by you or any human authority, indeed I dont even judge myself. My conscience is clear but that doesnt make me innocent for it is God who judges me.

Not necessarily speaking of smoking weed but I know for a fact that there are certain things I do with my own life that other Christians would not do with their own lives. I dont really care because I know who I am in the eyes of Jesus. I have one judge and only one and I am confident in His judgement toward me. You live your life like this and a dope smoking Christian wont be a stumbling block to you.

 

[thesunisout]

Not to me he isnt..

In fact even a heroin addicted Christian is not a stumbling block to me. Nor is alcohol drinking Christian a stumbling block to me. Perhaps its because none of these people have anything to do what-so-ever with my personal relationship and walk with Jesus.

Jesus will receive the dope smoking Christian just like He will receive you or I. So what is it to me? What business is it of mine to judge another brothers life and relationship with God? And at the same time for my own walk I can be confident as Paul when he said in 1 Corinthians 4:3-4

I care very little if I am judged by you or any human authority, indeed I dont even judge myself. My conscience is clear but that doesnt make me innocent for it is God who judges me.

Not necessarily speaking of smoking weed but I know for a fact that there are certain things I do with my own life that other Christians would not do with their own lives. I dont really care because I know who I am in the eyes of Jesus. I have one judge and only one and I am confident in His judgement toward me. You live your life like this and a dope smoking Christian wont be a stumbling block to you.

It is a stumbling block to those Christians whose conscience is weak, and it is also a stumbling block to the lost. Dope smoking Christians are an impediment to those who do not know Jesus, and they are ruining His reputation.

Also, while Jesus is your judge, we are to correct one another when we go astray.

1Ti_5:20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.
2Ti_4:2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
Tit_1:9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Tit_1:13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
Tit_2:15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

We are to judge everything to see if it lines up with the word of God. If dope smoking is a sin, which I have shown that it is, then Jesus does not approve of it. He does not approve of anyone doing it and His command is that they repent and stop doing it. When you are living in sin, it is between you, and Jesus, and your brothers and sisters in Christ who are here both to support and correct you.

 

[largeli]

It is a stumbling block to those Christians whose conscience is weak, and it is also a stumbling block to the lost. Dope smoking Christians are an impediment to those who do not know Jesus, and they are ruining His reputation.

Also, while Jesus is your judge, we are to correct one another when we go astray.

1Ti_5:20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.
2Ti_4:2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
Tit_1:9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Tit_1:13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
Tit_2:15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

We are to judge everything to see if it lines up with the word of God. If dope smoking is a sin, which I have shown that it is, then Jesus does not approve of it. He does not approve of anyone doing it and His command is that they repent and stop doing it. When you are living in sin, it is between you, and Jesus, and your brothers and sisters in Christ who are here both to support and correct you.

You have shown that you believe it is a sin. You can only show scripture to support your belief not prove it. Just like there is scripture to support the belief that it is not a sin... Thats where you and I will always be. I believe it comes down to a personal conscience issue and it will vary from person to person.

As far as correcting eachother in our walk, I believe the instructions we have been givin through the bible say basically that if a brother is caught in a sin pray for him, and if he is caught in a grave sin that leads to death, thats when it would be appropriate to speak to him offering correction.

The bible is clear that putting something in your body is not the sin, but what comes out of your mouth. With this in mind, I cannot justify calling someone out for what they consume... whether someone is addicted to caffiene, drinks some wine with dinner, smokes cigarettes, smokes weed, these things people can go their whole life doing and have a righteous life in Christ being a blessing to others... so even if I considered these things sin it would only justify me praying for them and not correcting them.

 

[thesunisout]

You have shown that you believe it is a sin. You can only show scripture to support your belief not prove it. Just like there is scripture to support the belief that it is not a sin... Thats where you and I will always be. I believe it comes down to a personal conscience issue and it will vary from person to person.

As far as correcting eachother in our walk, I believe the instructions we have been givin through the bible say basically that if a brother is caught in a sin pray for him, and if he is caught in a grave sin that leads to death, thats when it would be appropriate to speak to him offering correction.

The bible is clear that putting something in your body is not the sin, but what comes out of your mouth. With this in mind, I cannot justify calling someone out for what they consume... whether someone is addicted to caffiene, drinks some wine with dinner, smokes cigarettes, smokes weed, these things people can go their whole life doing and have a righteous life in Christ being a blessing to others... so even if I considered these things sin it would only justify me praying for them and not correcting them.

The end of the story for American Christians is that it is outlawed on a federal level. Therefore it is a sin for you, and me, and everyone else who lives here. You're also twisting scripture. The bible is clear that drunkenness is a sin. That is putting something into your mouth, is it not?

We're commanded to be sober-minded. This isn't a my truth, your truth thing; that's Gods truth. God says be holy as I am holy. It's not holy to smoke marijuana, and I think you know that very well.

This isn't something we can seem to have a conversation about, because you ignore the arguments and the scripture and cherry pick your replies. Your rebellion against God on this issue is deep-seated. You're right, it is between you and God, but don't pretend to the rest of us that it's some sort of grey area. Scripture is very clear about how Christians are supposed to conduct themselves, and getting high doesn't fit into that paradigm.

As far as correcting one another, we should do what the bible says:

Tit_1:9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

 

[largeli]

The end of the story for American Christians is that it is outlawed on a federal level. Therefore it is a sin for you, and me, and everyone else who lives here. You're also twisting scripture. The bible is clear that drunkenness is a sin. That is putting something into your mouth, is it not?

We're commanded to be sober-minded. This isn't a my truth, your truth thing; that's Gods truth. God says be holy as I am holy. It's not holy to smoke marijuana, and I think you know that very well.

This isn't something we can seem to have a conversation about, because you ignore the arguments and the scripture and cherry pick your replies. Your rebellion against God on this issue is deep-seated. You're right, it is between you and God, but don't pretend to the rest of us that it's some sort of grey area. Scripture is very clear about how Christians are supposed to conduct themselves, and getting high doesn't fit into that paradigm.

As far as correcting one another, we should do what the bible says:

Tit_1:9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Yes it says drunkeness is a sin. Yes drunkeness is accomplished by putting alcohol in your body. Still, putting the alcohol in your body is not the sin. The sin is drunkeness, which can be accomplished by one drink or maybe it takes many drinks depending on the individual. So the consuming of alcohol is not the sin.

Yes the bible says to be sober minded. I know plenty of Christians, as do you, who are not clear minded until they have had their fix of christian crack. They once were sober minded without caffiene but now their clear headedness depends on that daily does of christian crack.... theyre dependant on it....and I could care less! I really dont think God looks down on these with disappointment.

As for your last paragraph, If we cant have a conversation it is because you are getting upset. Im not trying to ignore your arguements, Im simply disagreeing with them. If I am cherry picking replies its probably because Im not reading all of them, however Im trying to read the ones that are in refference to my replies, if I am not answering a specific arguement from you feel free to point it out.

 

[hopeinGod]

Where I live, there are several hookah lounges, where toking is legal. Lots of stories have been aired regarding the side effects of hookah; nevertheless, it is legal. Does a person stay sober on hookah? Nope. So, in this case, the sin is the refusal to remain soberminded, I guess.

 

[Amber Bird]

Why is weed a sin

It's not a sin.

Genesis 1:29
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for me

1Timothy4:4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with gratitude;

The Timothy verse would apply especially to those cancer patients who are Christian (and not), and have a prescription for medical marijuana. In which case the plant is a blessing.

 

[Lenity]

It's not a sin.

Genesis 1:29
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for me

1Timothy4:4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with gratitude;

The Timothy verse would apply especially to those cancer patients who are Christian (and not), and have a prescription for medical marijuana. In which case the plant is a blessing.

Thank God for a sane perspective on this mess. See, they'll use the whole "be sober" verses to back up their conditioned opinion about "drugs", yet I can guarantee they enjoy wine and/or beer on occasion. I don't use drugs, why? Because in Romans it tells us to "obey the laws of man" unless they conflict with the laws of God, and that if we do not obey the laws of man we are sinning against God. Makes sense. But my reasoning behind it is not because I think it's a sin, but because it is disobedient to disobey the laws of the land.

They can't comprehend tobacco as a drug because of its accessibility, but if we lived in the age of prohibition things like alcohol would be viewed just as marijuana and others are viewed today. There is always a time and place for everything, and even food is to be consumed with discretion. I'm constantly accused of condoning "substance abuse" because of my opinion on this. That has absolutely nothing to do with it.

I wonder how many people drink and smoke cigarettes regularly who don't think they're "substance abusers"? Or overweight people who don't think they're sinning by being gluttonous?

People need to start thinking independently and stop being so afraid to go against the norm. The axioms of society are not infallible and do not need to be blindly accepted as solid truth.

God is a willing contender to your doubts and He is not offended by controversial or difficult questions.

 

[thesunisout]

Thank God for a sane perspective on this mess. See, they'll use the whole "be sober" verses to back up their conditioned opinion about "drugs", yet I can guarantee they enjoy wine and/or beer on occasion. I don't use drugs, why? Because in Romans it tells us to "obey the laws of man" unless they conflict with the laws of God, and that if we do not obey the laws of man we are sinning against God. Makes sense. But my reasoning behind it is not because I think it's a sin, but because it is disobedient to disobey the laws of the land.

They can't comprehend tobacco as a drug because of its accessibility, but if we lived in the age of prohibition things like alcohol would be viewed just as marijuana and others are viewed today. There is always a time and place for everything, and even food is to be consumed with discretion. I'm constantly accused of condoning "substance abuse" because of my opinion on this. That has absolutely nothing to do with it.

I wonder how many people drink and smoke cigarettes regularly who don't think they're "substance abusers"? Or overweight people who don't think they're sinning by being gluttonous?

People need to start thinking independently and stop being so afraid to go against the norm. The axioms of society are not infallible and do not need to be blindly accepted as solid truth.

God is a willing contender to your doubts and He is not offended by controversial or difficult questions.

Who is "they"? The bible does say to be sober, and holy as God as holy. What do you think that means? Tell us, since you are saying everyone here saying a sober lifestyle is biblical is conditioned, tell us what you think it means. I don't smoke, drink, drink coffee, nor am I gluttonous. Am I perfect? No. But I try to practice what I preach. If your entire argument is that people are hypocrites, you have no argument, because we're all hypocrites.

 

[stelow]

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." -- C. S. Lewis

 

[stelow]

Make the most of the Indian hemp seed, and sow it everywhere!

• George Washington in a note to his gardener at Mount Vernon (1794), The Writings of George Washington, Volume 33, page 270 (Library of Congress).

 

[SharonL]

We should never do anything that takes us out of having control of our minds. This leaves an opening for the enemy to come in. All the many crimes that are done under this influence is not the Christian life.

 

[stelow]

We should never do anything that takes us out of having control of our minds. This leaves an opening for the enemy to come in. All the many crimes that are done under this influence is not the Christian life.

Yes you are very wise about our minds being renewed by Christ, through His Word and prayer; but many of the worst crimes are commited under the influence of greed, and to maintain control of their own special interests, with no regards of the ill effects on others or even the damage it causes to the earth we live on.

 

[Imagican]

Haven't read the whole thread but have participated often in discussion of the subject.

My biggest issue is this: IF, IF, IF marijuana has PROVEN medical benefits, how in the world is anyone going to even try to indicate that marijuana's medicinal usage is ANY different than any other DRUG.

As a matter of FACT, marijuana has been used in medicine for THOUSANDS of years before most of our modern PILLS were even contemplated.

So isn't it PAST TIME that our government come to it's collective senses and allow marijuana to be used to HELP those who can benefit from it's properties?

Blessings,

MEC

 

[OneWithTime]

The Bible calls out drunkeness as a sin, not drinking, right?

Romans 13:13
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Ephesians 5:18

So what is drunkeness? I'd say, when you've had enough alcohol to say and do things that you normally wouldn't. When it impares your motor skills, your speech, reduces your inhabitions.

I'm not an expert on pot, but it seems like anyone I knew who smoked it smoked to get high or 'wasted'. I think the same thing applies, it's a form of drunkeness.

Secondly, the bible says you should follow the laws of your land, and in the US at least, pot is illegal.

Romans 13

Finally, tell this guy you care about him and it has some really nasty side effects.

Facts about the effects of marijuana for teens NIDA

Yet many Christian drink wine and do not get drunk though. Many guys in my sister's college are functioning potheads and are the top honor students. YES I SAID IT! The highest scored student in most classes are utter stoners.
Marijuana is a heavily mixed drug in its effects ranging from stimulation to hallucinogen. While most drugs are destructive I wouldn't label marijuana one of them. This is a drug that various functioning people take. It has also been ranked ranked way less harmless compared to tobacco I may add. I cannot overdose on weed nor have any studies been done on long term usage of it. And long term users have not been riddled with health problems I may add.

BUT! The issue is that it isn't really good for a person to be out of their mind period. I would never try Marijuana personally nor would I recommend it to someone, some whiskey perhaps but not weed or tobacco.

 

[zlereaux]

The easiest answer is that wherever it is illegal, you are breaking God's law by breaking the law of the land.

As far as the marijuana substance being wrong, that is a different story. Marijuana in and of itself is not something people need to be afraid of. Marijuana has been proven successful in many medical trials. Not only does it slow the effects of cancer spread, but there have been more recent trials of medical marijuana being applied in topical creams to heal pain and skin problems.

It's always about HOW you are using something and for what purpose. If you are smoking marijuana to glorify God in any way, that would be great (although I can't think of many reasons how). If you are doing it to "feel good" and please yourself in some sort of way, that is self-serving, thus self-glorifying.

Most people who want to smoke ANYTHING do it to get high, OR they do it because of a habitual or fleshly desire. Their body is either addicted to it, or it simply craves it. Christians are called to control their bodies in ways that are holy and honorable, not according to our fleshly desires. If you are addicted, or habitually smoking anything, you are clearly in trouble.

I think people need to really pray and meditate on their actions all the time. They need to ask themselves and God WHY they want the substance. But, keep in mind that we will ALWAYS be sinning against God on this side of glory. Even as Christians, we find ourselves being self-serving. That's why we are strengthened with the Holy Spirit, to continually grieve us when we grieve Him with our sin. We feel guilty because we are being told to change. That's part of God's sanctifying work in us. So if you feel guilty, work on stopping.